LYNN — Standing with a friend in front of the Lincoln Memorial during a city-business trip to Washington, D.C. while he was mayor, Patrick J. McManus was asked what he wanted his legacy to be. He instantaneously replied that he would want his name attached to the Lynn Public Library. The speed with which he replied caught his inquisitor by surprise. It was obvious it was a subject given much thought by McManus over the years.
Almost a quarter-century after he chose not to run for reelection after five terms, and 15 years (today) after he died suddenly in the midst of a campaign to regain the mayor’s office, McManus’ dream will be realized when the Lynn Public Library building is named for him July 20.
The event, open to the public, will be held at 11 a.m. on the steps of the library on the same day that McManus would have celebrated his 70th birthday.
A lifelong Lynn resident, McManus was the city’s longest consecutive-serving mayor, leading Lynn from 1992 to 2002. Highly respected in the community, there has been strong support for a dedication in his name.
“The library building being dedicated to Mayor McManus is exciting for the city and puts a spotlight on all of the amazing work that the library staff does to promote reading, learning, and the programming provided there,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “I’m grateful to late Councilor (Buzzy) Barton and others who advocated for this as a way of recognizing Mayor McManus as a champion of learning and treating people equitably.”
During his tenure, McManus supported the restoration and expansion of the historic library, which opened at its present location at 5 North Common St. in 1900. McManus directed $10.7 million in city funds to the library. Not only did he help to keep it open, he also promoted summer-reading programs for students and expanded hours for teens and seniors.
Education was paramount in McManus’ life. A 1972 graduate of Lynn English High School, he served as class president and captain of the football team. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Bowdoin College, as well as a master’s in business administration from Suffolk University and a law degree from Boston College. He practiced law, taught at the college level, and began his public-service career in 1985 when he was elected to the City Council.
McManus’ contributions to the city were many.
Under his leadership as mayor, construction on a new Lynn Classical High School and a large extension of Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute began, as well as a major renovation of Lynn English. He used his international connections to develop an ambitious water plan; shepherded a combined storm and sewer project; introduced community policing; and merged the city’s ambulance service with the Fire Department, all while keeping millions in financial reserves and protecting taxpayers’ interests.
His decision not to pursue another term in 2002 was impacted by his commitment to his growing family. He had five children — four of whom he and his wife, Debra, adopted from China.
In conjunction with the July 20 building dedication, friends and colleagues of McManus are conducting a fundraising campaign to assist the city and library trustees in restoring the library to its original grandeur and support its programs. A reception in the library is being planned for the coming months.
Contributions may be sent to PJM Library, Inc., 85 Exchange St., Suite 218, Lynn, MA 01901.
